Letran knocks out San Sebastian, books "Fri-date" with Lyceum

By Xy-Zha Cabanlong

PASAY CITY - The Letran Knights escaped a late rally by the San Sebastian Stags to hand over an 85-80 upset, Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Fran Yu's free throw off a foul handed the Knights a safe 5-point lead with 12.6 seconds left to play in the game.

Yu was the hero for Letran after picking up the offensive rebound from missed free throws by Jerrick Balanza.

Letran took control of the ball game after the first quarter, leading as much as 17 points.

But San Sebastian rallied, and, off an RK Ilagan's massive triple with over a minute left in the ball game, cut its trail to just a point, 81-80.

King Caralipio scored a basket off a pass coming from Yu to pull the Knights to safety, 83-80, before Yu sealed the win with his charities.

Seven players from Letran finished the game in double digits with Balanza leading the pact with 15 points.

The Knights are going to face the Lyceum Pirates on Friday in another knockout game to determine which team will book a finals date with the San Beda Red Lions.

Box Scores:

Letran 85 - Balanza 15, Batiller 14, Mina 12, Muyang 11, Ular 10, Yu 10, Caralipio 9, Balagasay 4, Ambohot 0, Olivario 0, Reyson 0, Sangalang 0, Javillonar 0.

San Sebastian 80 - Ilagan 36, Bulanadi 15, Villapando 8, Calahat 7, Capobres 5, Altamirano 5, Desoyo 2, Sumoda 1, Cosari 1, Calma 0, Isidro 0.

Quarterscores: 23-20; 50-40; 69-59; 85-80.

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